About Semeron

Semeron is a greek word taken from the words of Jesus in the Lord’s Prayer (Mt ch 6) ‘give us this day’.

We as Christians cherish the great hope Jesus gives of eternal life through faith in Him, and look forward to the reality of Heaven where there will be no more sickness, or suffering.

As cancer sufferers -in the now- we have realised the value of ‘this day’ and of living it to the full, rather than looking beyond too far in this earthly existence. Semeron was founded in Northern Ireland and held its first event in 2018. Founders are Ian Harbinson and Julie Peake.

Ian

I am married to Anne and we have three adult children. I’ve been a minister with the Presbyterian Church in Ireland-serving in West Kirk-Belfast, Ballyroney and Drumlee- Co Down, and Moneydig – Co. L’Derry. After a period of being unwell, I had extensive tests and received the news no-one ever wants to hear, the diagnosis of a cancerous tumour in my pancreas! Thankfully the tumour ( an insulinoma) was contained within the pancreas and was still operable. This led to a long hospitalisation, extensive surgery-which removed most of my pancreas and quite a few other internal bits, and treatment. Today I have a regime of medication enabling me to live without a vital organ like my pancreas. I remain under constant watch by my medical team and am thankful to be as well as I am, however I have had to accept early retirement on health grounds.

God has been my rock and constant support through all this difficult journey, bringing peace and hope in equal measure- just when needed. That however is never to downplay the ‘dark valley’ or the trauma of a cancer experience, either personally or for my wife and family . Understanding something of the huge shock and upset a cancer diagnosis brings, I set myself to doing further study in counselling so I can now offer my time to help others going through a cancer journey.

Julie

I am married to Stuart and we have 3 children.
Cancer was something that I feared, having watched a number of my friends suffer from this disease. Deep down I wondered, if it ever happened to me, would I be able to hold on to God’s promises, entrusting myself and my family to His will…as I had encouraged others to do throughout my years working as a deaconess with the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
Little did I know that, from October 2017 onwards, I would experience what it is like to find a lump; have numerous medical investigations; wait on results; receive ‘bad news’; face surgery and chemotherapy; find a way to break the news to my loved ones; and deal with people’s reactions. Each one of these are difficult and testing experiences!
There have been times of tears, doubt, anger, frustration and weakness…but in the midst of it all I have felt God holding on to me, calming my fears, giving me strength to face the challenges…in fact he has blessed me, my husband and three young children, in ways that I never could have imagined. He has given me a real sense that he has allowed this season in my life for good purposes. He has drawn near, carried me and given me great comfort- reminding me that my life is not ‘about me’ its about Him. He is calling me ( as He does each one of us) to comfort others with the comfort I have received from Him.

Semeron Cancer Support

We have been running a Cancer Support Ministry since 2018 for the North West area of Northern Ireland, and interest has remained -even during Covid 19 when we held outdoor walks and picnics etc. Now, as Covid restrictions ease, we have been holding larger events and our regular support group. Ian, who has studied counselling, continues to offer one to one counselling with those going through cancer- which is a major part of the ministry.
Semeron has been something of a catalyst too encouraging other support groups to form in different places throughout Ireland, and has exciting plans – some now coming to fruition in Banbridge and Armagh.
Ian and Julie